Imaging Network

Our Imaging Network comprises eight state-of-the-art PET-MR brain scanners based at universities and hospitals across the UK. Five of these scanners were funded directly by Dementias Platform UK.

PET-MR technology enables simultaneous acquisition of PET (positron emission tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) data, in a single image and with minimal interference between the two imaging types.

The DPUK Imaging Network is the first nationwide network of its kind globally. It is creating a world-leading environment for applying advanced brain imaging techniques in support of experimental medicine and clinical trials in dementia research.

Brain imaging is one of the key tools in the fight against dementia – and the DPUK Imaging Network helping to increase our understanding of disease and speed up the development of new treatments.

Bespoke Informatics

The Imaging Network also benefits from a bespoke imaging informatics platform that allows researchers to securely store, share and analyse UK-wide brain imaging data. The imaging platform is accessed via our DPUK Data Portal.

 Aims

The network uses imaging techniques to:

• Enable unprecedented longitudinal studies to identify the mechanisms in the brain behind disease onset and progression.
• Identify accurate biomarkers that facilitate high-quality clinical studies of new therapeutics in neurodegenerative disease (including dementia).

It is also:

• Accelerating uptake of new techniques such as novel radiopharmaceuticals or AI algorithms.
• Establishing common operating and analysis procedures for brain imaging studies.
• Enhancing research where the clinical state of patients can change between scanning sessions.
• Reducing the burden on patients by providing simultaneous PET and MRI scans.

Read our blog about about the Dementias Platform UK PET/MR Harmonisation and Test-Retest Study: Assessment of PET Repeatability and Reproducibility Across the National Network

Further information

Researchers working with DPUK scanners can request access to a guidebook on study design and standardisation/harmonisation. Download an excerpt of the guidebook (which includes contact details for obtaining further information) here.

The Imaging Network also benefits from a bespoke imaging informatics platform that allows researchers securely to store, share and analyse UK-wide brain imaging data. The imaging platform is accessed via the DPUK Data Portal.

The DPUK Imaging Network is led by Dr Pawel Markiewicz (University College London).